Many people have difficulty finding a treatment that brings lasting relief from their mental health challenges. If you have been researching treatments for mental disorders, such as clinical depression, anxious depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you may have come across transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. This non-invasive procedure offers benefits to patients who have not found relief through conventional treatments, such as talk therapy and medication.
Our skilled medical professionals at Cedar Park TMS pride themselves on being hometown healthcare providers with deep roots in the area. We started offering medication management in 2008 and began providing TMS in 2018, making us the first practice to introduce this advanced technology to our community. Like many of our patients, you might be wondering what your first TMS session will be like. Here are the details so you will know what to expect.
Before we describe what will happen during your initial TMS procedure, it is essential that you understand how TMS works. It uses magnetic pulses to activate the cells in specific areas of your brain that are associated with mood regulation. These waves stimulate your neurons and increase brain activity in those regions. This could help stabilize your mood and decrease your symptoms.
TMS therapy is FDA-cleared for depression, anxious depression, OCD, and other mental disorders. The procedure has been scientifically validated in many studies, including ones involving patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Before your first treatment session, our TMS specialists at Cedar Park TMS will schedule a consultation with you to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and current medications. We will explain the TMS procedure to you, answer your questions, and provide you with information about your upcoming sessions to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment process.
During your initial TMS session, Dr. Earthman will map the exact brain area to be stimulated. This involves placing the TMS device against your head to determine the ideal treatment location. The process includes delivering single magnetic pulses to your brain to find the specific intensity of pulses that are right for you. He will then mark the correct spot for the TMS device on a cap you will wear. This mapping for location and intensity is important because it ensures that the magnetic pulses target the right regions of your brain for effective treatment.
When you arrive for your first non-invasive TMS therapy appointment, you will immediately notice that we strive to maintain a supportive and relaxing environment. Our team will get to know you as a person, not just as a case number. By reviewing your background, current challenges, and overall goals, we can fine-tune the magnetic pulses and tailor your treatment to your unique needs to best support your journey toward better mental health.
During your appointment, you will rest in a comfortable chair while the TMS device stimulates the regions of your brain linked to mood regulation. You can read, listen to music, or simply unwind. TMS therapy is non-invasive, so you can resume your normal activities immediately after each session.
Treating your mental health problems with magnetic therapy offers many key benefits, including:
You may experience relief from your symptoms a few weeks after your first TMS treatment. While results differ from person to person, numerous patients remain symptom-free for a year following their treatment.
We have worked hard to create a caring and supportive environment at Cedar Park TMS. By opting for TMS therapy, you are choosing a forward-looking approach that focuses on the core areas of brain function tied to mood and well-being.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation to help you prepare for your first TMS session. Whether you are new to mental health treatment or have tried multiple therapeutic methods, our team is here to help you discover a more hopeful tomorrow.
